Callicarpa americana aka American Beautyberry

Taxonomy

Genus Callicarpa Family Lamiaceae Order Lamiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Callicarpa americana, also known as American beautyberry, is a native shrub of the Southern United States that is often grown as an ornamental in gardens and yards. It typically reaches a height of 3-5 ft. with long, arching branches and yellow-green fall foliage. However, it can grow up to 9 ft. in favorable soil and moisture conditions. The most striking feature of the American beautyberry is the clusters of glossy, iridescent-purple (sometimes white) fruit that hug the branches at leaf axils in the fall and winter. The bark is light brown on the older wood and reddish brown on younger wood, with elongated, raised corky areas (lenticels). The leaves are in pairs or threes, ovate to elliptic, pointed or blunt at the tip and tapered to the base, with coarsely toothed margins except toward the base and near the tip. The flowers are small and pink, in dense clusters at the bases of the leaves, while the fruit is distinctly colored, rose pink or lavender pink, berry-like, and about 1/4 inch long and 3/16 inch wide. Birds and deer eat the berries, which helps distribute the seeds. Beautyberry belongs to the Callicarpa genus and is native to the Central and Southeastern United States and Bermuda to Cuba. It is also a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. Repotting is recommended each time the plant doubles in size, and fertilizers are usually unnecessary.

Common names

American Beautyberry, American Beauty Berry, Beauty Berry, Beautyberry, French Mulberry

How to care for American Beautyberry

Difficulty

American Beautyberry is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

American Beautyberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

American Beautyberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

American Beautyberry requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your American Beautyberry will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The American Beautyberry should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

American Beautyberry’s native range is South-eastern N. America - Florida to Texas and north to Oklahoma and Arkansas.

More info:
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More Species in Callicarpa Genus

Callicarpa japonica Japanese Beauty Berry

Callicarpa dichotoma Purple Beauty Berry

Callicarpa mollis

Callicarpa americana American Beautyberry

Callicarpa pedunculata Velvetleaf

Callicarpa kochiana Pi Pa Ye Zi Zhu